Weigh Options and Consequences: What are the possible courses of action and intended consequences? Also consider the unintended consequences. (Susan)
Mark has two courses of action: he can choose to counsel Peter on a topic about which he is unfamiliar with and holds beliefs decidedly different than Peter, or he can choose to refer Peter to a counselor better prepared to help the client. Before choosing a course of action, Mark needs to be honest with himself by answering these questions:
How fixed is my thinking about this issue?
Am I able to be open about it? Am I aware of my blind spots? Could I be unwittingly biased about this subject?
Am I able to be empathic with the client? Am I able to set aside my personal beliefs and deal with this like it was any loving relationship?
Dp I know enough about homosexual relationships to counsel on this topic? Can I learn this information?
Will the clinic allow me to counsel on this topic? Does the clinic advertise its values on this topic?
If the clinic doesn't take a position on this topic, I may be legally required to provide counseling, so should I?
If I choose to counsel on this topic:
How will I know I am helping the client?
If I find at some point in the middle of working with the client that I can't continue because of my personal feelings, do I refer? Would this damage the client?
What steps do I take to ensure success: regular consultations with colleagues; reading; multicultural class?
Do I explain my values to the client? What could be the consequences of explaining my values--client would feel unsupported and leave.
If I choose to refer on this topic:
How do I explain it to the client without damaging the client?
Where should I refer this client? Do I know someone who is skilled in helping clients with these issues?
Do I explain my values to the client as the reason I am referring?
Mark has two courses of action: he can choose to counsel Peter on a topic about which he is unfamiliar with and holds beliefs decidedly different than Peter, or he can choose to refer Peter to a counselor better prepared to help the client. Before choosing a course of action, Mark needs to be honest with himself by answering these questions:
How fixed is my thinking about this issue?
Am I able to be open about it? Am I aware of my blind spots? Could I be unwittingly biased about this subject?
Am I able to be empathic with the client? Am I able to set aside my personal beliefs and deal with this like it was any loving relationship?
Dp I know enough about homosexual relationships to counsel on this topic? Can I learn this information?
Will the clinic allow me to counsel on this topic? Does the clinic advertise its values on this topic?
If the clinic doesn't take a position on this topic, I may be legally required to provide counseling, so should I?
If I choose to counsel on this topic:
How will I know I am helping the client?
If I find at some point in the middle of working with the client that I can't continue because of my personal feelings, do I refer? Would this damage the client?
What steps do I take to ensure success: regular consultations with colleagues; reading; multicultural class?
Do I explain my values to the client? What could be the consequences of explaining my values--client would feel unsupported and leave.
If I choose to refer on this topic:
How do I explain it to the client without damaging the client?
Where should I refer this client? Do I know someone who is skilled in helping clients with these issues?
Do I explain my values to the client as the reason I am referring?